Recently released on One UI 6 as part of Samsung Galaxy’s expanded arsenal of security and privacy innovations, Auto Blocker is an opt-in package of additional security measures that gives users more choice as they explore the customisations enabled by Samsung Galaxy’s open ecosystem.

Putting the Choice in Users’ Hands

“At Samsung we constantly strive to keep our users safe from security attacks, and with the introduction of Auto Blocker users can continue to enjoy the benefits of our open ecosystem, knowing that their mobile experience is secured,” said Dr. Seungwon Shin, EVP & Head of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We always seek to empower our users to choose for themselves what best suits their needs – rather than us deciding on their behalf, and Auto Blocker is no exception to that.”

One of Auto Blocker’s features is the prevention of app installations from unauthorised sources,^[1] known as sideloading. There are many benefits to intentional sideloading, such as enhanced customisation and control over a device’s functionality. Those who love to safely sideload will experience no change as the feature is off by default. For those not in the habit of sideloading or extensive customisation, activating Auto Blocker can provide additional peace of mind by stalling the rise of social engineering attacks like voice phishing, where attackers could talk users into installing malicious software.

Auto Blocker has a range of additional controls, including turning on app security checks to help detect potential malware and prevent harmful commands and software installations by USB cable. This can help protect users in a situation where someone has physical access to their device, like when charging a phone at an airport.

With this feature also comes an update to Message Guard, which mitigates Zero Click attacks, or direct image messages hiding malicious code. Initially launched for messaging apps from Google and Samsung, it now can help protect users using popular third party apps. This way, users have greater choice over the apps they can safely use.

Pushing the Industry Forward with New Security Standards

Samsung sets the foundation for a safer, more secure mobile experience for Galaxy users, and Auto Blocker takes this one step further by combining industry-leading security standards with user choice to allow customers to control their device their way. As the latest feature to be added to Samsung’s suite of security and privacy innovations, Auto Blocker further optimises the mobile experience for users across the Galaxy ecosystem.

Auto Blocker is available now on Samsung Galaxy devices compatible with One UI 6.

For more information on One UI 6, please visit https://www.samsung.com/uk/one-ui/features/.

[1] Authorised sources include Google Play and Galaxy Store.

London, UK – October 5^th, 2023 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled a range of security innovations across its ecosystem of products and services. With the release of One UI 6, these innovations include updates to Samsung Knox Matrix with passkeys and end-to-end encryption for backed-up and restored Samsung Cloud data, and the expansion of Samsung Knox Vault to the wider device ecosystem. These advancements are engineered for an age of hyperconnectivity, ensuring that as we enter a world where multiple devices connect and share information with each other, the security aspect is never compromised. The updates were announced at the annual Samsung Developer Conference 2023 (SDC23), which brings together developers, creators and designers to explore Samsung’s powerful and seamless connected experiences. At the event, Samsung was able to showcase how these innovations will work to push the industry forward and empower users with more ways to safely do what they love, today and tomorrow.

“The strongest security and privacy innovations can help protect your everyday mobile experience as well as your device,” said Dr. Seungwon Shin, EVP & Head of Security Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We strive to keep more users safe in more ways than ever, and our latest security innovations mean users can live life with greater options and less effort – so life can truly open up possibilities, now and for years to come.”

Secure Convenience in a Connected World

The release of One UI 6 on Galaxy devices and an update to Samsung Knox Matrix[1] work to further realise Samsung’s vision of a future where connected devices can protect each other within an ecosystem.

Last year, we announced that Knox Matrix would support Trust Chain, which will enable connected devices to intelligently monitor each other for security threats, and send notifications to other devices if one is ever attacked. This meant that if a hacker were to target a device, Knox Matrix could detect the threat and isolate that device from other devices to keep the rest of the system safe.

At SDC23, Samsung is announcing updates to another key element of Knox Matrix – Credential Sync, which can help protect sensitive information as it moves between multiple devices, such as Samsung Galaxy devices, TVs and Family Hub refrigerators. With the introduction of One UI 6, Credential Sync brings users an easy and secure way to sync their identities and credentials between their Samsung devices. Also now available within Credential Sync is end-to-end encryption of backed-up and restored Samsung Cloud data.^[2] This ensures the data can only be encrypted or decrypted on a user’s devices, meaning nobody can see it but the user – even if a server is compromised or account details are stolen. Starting early 2024, Samsung Galaxy devices will also implement end-to-end encryption when users sync their data with Samsung Cloud.^[3]

As part of Credential Sync, Samsung has also developed new ways to manage and secure identities and credentials for a future hyperconnected world in the form of passkeys: digital credentials that can be used as authentication for websites and apps. Through One UI 6, Samsung Pass has been updated with the ability to use passkeys,^[4] marking a significant step towards a password-less future where passkeys replace traditional passwords to provide an experience that is:

• Faster: Users can save time on typing their account username into their device by instead quickly selecting the account they wish to sign into
• Easier: Once passkeys are registered, users can easily switch over to a new connected device with no requirement to sign up all over again
• More secure: Passkeys only work on users’ registered websites and applications, ensuring protection against phishing attacks from malicious sites or apps

Knox Matrix realises this revolutionary step in the evolution of passwords by enabling a convenient way to share passkeys across multiple devices without sacrificing security. Based on FIDO’s international standards, passkeys enable users to use Samsung Pass on their smartphone to sign into apps and websites through biometric sensors, such as fingerprints. With One UI 6, passkeys are able to be held in escrow until specific conditions are met – like when a PIN, password or lock screen pattern of a user’s previous device is entered on their Samsung Galaxy smartphone. These updated escrow functions within Knox Matrix will eliminate the need for users to remember current passwords or reset forgotten ones, providing convenience and stronger security when sharing credentials between connected devices.

Powerful Security Innovations on More Samsung Devices

Besides innovating to secure the device ecosystems of the future, Samsung is also democratising its most powerful security innovations for devices today. Samsung Knox Vault is being strengthened through the expansion beyond flagship devices to protect more customers and give them greater choice in the devices they can safely use.

Knox Vault can help protect the most critical data on a device, including lock screen information, such as PIN codes, passwords and patterns. It constructs a secure execution environment that is physically isolated from the system’s main processor and memory and is effective from the moment a user registers their lock screen – thus users can enjoy the security they need without hassle. Knox Vault can help protect users’ security keys which encrypt their private data stored in the device, ensuring total safety – even if the device is lost or stolen.

A hardware-based and tamper-resistant solution, Samsung Knox Vault was created to safeguard a user’s private data against not only software-based hacking, but also hardware attacks using high-end professional tools. Originally launched on Samsung Galaxy flagship devices including S series, Z series, S FE series smartphones and Tab S series tablets, Knox Vault is being expanded to Samsung Neo QLED 8K TVs in 2023, and the wider Galaxy ecosystem including Galaxy A series smartphones with One UI 6 or later^[5] in 2024.

Your Secure Ecosystem, Expanded

The wide range of powerful security measures make Samsung Galaxy devices better at ensuring user privacy, addressing the need for convenience in a hyperconnected society with the backing of a true commitment to strong user security. One UI 6 also brings updates to Galaxy’s Security and Privacy Dashboard, making it easier than ever for users to see and control what is happening to their data. The latest security and privacy innovations announced at SDC23 are built on top of Galaxy’s secure foundation: security at every level from the chips up to the apps, real-time threat detection, and collaborative protection with trusted partners.

[1] Samsung Knox Matrix availability may vary by model.

[2] Availability timing may vary by app. Support of data backup and restoration for third party apps may vary depending on individual app policies.

[3] End-to-end encryption support for Samsung Cloud data sync may vary by app and/or service.

[4] Available on Galaxy devices with Samsung Pass, supporting One UI 6 or later. Passkey login is available on applications or websites that support passkeys.

[5] Samsung Knox Vault availability may vary by model.

“We are constantly looking at ways to make people’s lives more convenient through Samsung Galaxy’s industry-leading innovations,” said James Kitto, Vice President and Head of MX Division at Samsung Electronics. “With the Galaxy SmartTag2, we set out to make sure Samsung Galaxy users can find their belongings in an easy and intuitive way. With an enhanced finding experience and a longer battery life, Galaxy SmartTag2 will provide users with greater peace of mind for longer and in more situations.”

Intuitive Features Make Finding Lost Items Easier Than Ever^[1]

Galaxy SmartTag2’s brand-new Lost Mode^[2] allows users to input their contact information via a message. Then, anyone who discovers an item with a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached can use their smartphone to scan the tag and see the owners’ message and contact information. This means a Galaxy SmartTag2 attached to a pet’s collar is now a convenient way to ensure the pet owner’s phone number is always there, in most places where the pet might wander. Lost Mode works with any mobile device with NFC reader and web browser.

Galaxy SmartTag2 now provides an improved Compass View feature, enhancing the user experience by providing arrows to show the direction and distance of the Galaxy SmartTag2 in relation to the user. This mode is available on any UWB-supported Galaxy smartphone, such as the Galaxy S23 Ultra^[3].

The SmartThings Find app has also been upgraded, with newly registered Galaxy SmartTags that now installs a shortcut to the app on the user’s smartphone, allowing users to launch SmartThings Find more quickly. Additionally, the app now features a full screen map view and an intuitive interface, making the user experience even more seamless.

Finally, when switching Galaxy smartphones, SmartTag2 now automatically re-syncs your Galaxy smartphone you’re now using to your Samsung account.

New Modes Mean Longer-Lasting Battery^[4]

Users can now enjoy Galaxy SmartTag2 for longer with the brand-new Power Saving Mode, available alongside an improved Normal mode. For users who rely on SmartTag to continually track items, Power Saving Mode is the perfect option to maintain battery life while ensuring you can keep an eye on your things. With Power Saving Mode, Galaxy SmartTag2’s battery now lasts up to 700 days, more than twice as long as previous Galaxy SmartTag models. Even in Normal Mode, battery life is now extended to 500 days, a 50% increase on previous models. With the flexibility to switch between two modes, users can track their valuables – from car keys to bikes – for longer.

Sleek Design Adapts to Even More Conditions and Brings More Use Cases

Galaxy SmartTag2’s new compact size and ring-shaped design was created with ease of use in mind. The large metal loop enhances product durability by using metal on the inside of the ring for greater resilience that can support accessories such as clips and keyrings. These accessories can also attach to bags and luggage.

Galaxy SmartTag2’s durability has also been upgraded with an IP67^[5] rating for water and dust resistance. This enables users to track their items in even more challenging environments, such as when travelling outdoors. For pet owners, there’s no need to worry about everyday wear and tear on the device from pet’s water bowls or running around outside.

Peace of Mind, Repackaged

Galaxy SmartTag2 retains many of the popular features from Galaxy SmartTag and Galaxy SmartTag+. It takes advantage of both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and UWB capabilities, leveraging Augmented Reality (AR) Find technology to visually guide users toward their item using their Samsung Galaxy smartphone camera. In addition, Galaxy SmartTag2 works within maximum Bluetooth range of 120 meters and can control smart home appliances through the SmartThings app.

Samsung remains committed to securing the privacy of Samsung Galaxy users, with the device’s location only to be made available with the user’s permission. SmartThings Find also encrypts user data and is supported by Samsung Knox for an extra layer of security. Furthermore, disabling Lost Mode immediately hides the owners’ contact information and wipes the message left by the owner from the device.

For Samsung Galaxy users, SmartThings Find can also provide security through its “Unknown tag alerts” feature. This feature alerts users of any unauthorised tracking by sending them a notification if SmartThings Find detects an unknown SmartTag following them. This helps protect users and prevent against the abuse of location tracking services.

Galaxy SmartTag2 features in Samsung’s recently announced expansion of its Wildlife Watch pilot, in partnership with Africam and The Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit, to protect against animal poaching in the South African bush. Launched in 2021, the programme uses Samsung technology as a live ‘surveillance system’ to enable anybody to watch wildlife in the Balule Nature Reserve in South Africa, part of the Kruger National Park. The impact the Galaxy SmartTag2 has on improving the safety of the rangers and helping them coordinate conservation efforts in the bush will also be tested. Using SmartThings Find, Black Mamba HQ will monitor where individuals are in the reserve. 

Galaxy SmartTag2 will be available across the UK from October 11 in two colours, black or white, and an RRP of £34.99, with a four pack available for £109.99.

[1] For Galaxy SmartTag2, Samsung account log-in and registration on SmartThings Find is required. Galaxy SmartTag2 needs to be paired with Galaxy smartphones with Android 11 or higher to function. Accuracy may be reduced if there’s an obstacle between you and the tag, such as when the tag is inside a drawer, behind a wall, or in a car.”

[2] Contact information and message shown on Lost Mode must be registered beforehand on the SmartThings app.

[3] Current Galaxy products that support UWB include Galaxy Note20 Ultra, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold2, Z Fold3, Z Fold4, Z Fold5

[4] Battery life is based on results from internal lab tests for typical usage pattern scenarios conducted by Samsung. Tested with results from a pre-release version of the device using inbox CR2032 battery. Actual battery life may vary depending on different usage patterns, device model, or the battery manufacturer.

[5] Galaxy SmartTag2 is rated as IP67. Based on lab test conditions for submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for beach, pool use or soapy water. Water and dust resistance of device is not permanent and may diminish over time.